The severity of fistulising Crohn’s disease varies from person to person. To treat fistulising Crohn’s disease, your doctor will need to evaluate the severity of your symptoms and condition, and determine which treatments are most suitable for you.

As fistulising Crohn’s disease is a life-long condition, it is important to work with your doctor to find the treatment that allows you to continue leading a fulfilling life.

Treatments can help to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend one or a combination of treatments:

• Anti‐inflammatory drugs such as aminosalicylates may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms and prevent flare ups
• Corticosteroids are also used to treat flare ups, and to relieve abdominal pain and tenderness. They may be prescribed to people who do not respond to aminosalicylates and are used to treat moderate to severe active IBD.
• Immunosuppressants are generally prescribed when anti-inflammatory drugs have failed, and a person shows signs of more serious fistulising Crohn’s disease
• Antibiotics may be useful for the induction of remission and in the treatment of complications of fistulising Crohn's disease
• Biologics may be prescribed for patients with moderate to severe IBD where previous therapy has been insufficiently effective. They work by preventing or inhibiting specific biological proteins from triggering the processes within the inflammatory pathway.
• Surgery may be necessary for some people who have fistulising Crohn's disease. It cannot cure the disease, but may aid in the management of fistulas.

You may also be prescribed other drugs to help you relax or to relieve pain, diarrhoea or infection.

If you have any further questions about treatment options, please contact your healthcare practitioner.